"It will be fun," Johnson said Friday. "This is one of the ones you look forward to, one you circle on the calendar, even though I didn't know the date until about two weeks ago. It's a big mark you can't wait to get to and check off."

"They're on their way back. They're on a throwing protocol. J.J. is a little bit ahead of Corey in that regard. He's going to get to the mound later this month. I don't know the exact date. Corey is a little bit behind. But he's fine. His elbow feels good."

Lubke is hoping to be throwing off a flat surface in a week, but the team will be cautious with his recovery.

"And he's had a little bit of soreness through December and January where Josh hasn't," Black added.

Padres' Josh Johnson to throw bullpen session March 23

Johnson missed all of last season while recovering from the surgery. He's scheduled to throw off flat ground Friday as he continues his rehab. The pitcher has made more than 16 starts just once since 2011.

Padres SP Josh Johnson to throw on flat ground Friday

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/11/15) Padres starting pitcher Josh Johnson (elbow) is scheduled to throw to a catcher on flat ground Friday, which would put him one step closer to throwing in the bullpen, per U-T San Diego.